Understanding Jordanian Mothers’ Experience after Stillbirth: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Abstract

Background: Low and middle income countries have the highest rates of stillbirths in the world. In Jordan, stillbirth and how it impacts on mothers who experience it is under-researched. The stories of mothers who have had a stillbirth need to be told and the silence associated with stillbirth needs to be broken. The aim of this study is to explore and understand the meanings attributed by mothers' to their experience of stillbirth in Jordan. Methods: The study will employ phenomenological qualitative research design. Semi-structured interview will be conducted with the mothers' who will be recruited from three governmental hospitals in the north, middle and south of Jordan. Data will be transcribed, managed and analysed using interpretative, phenomenological analysis. The Jordanian Ministry of Health and Jordan University Ethics Committee approved the study on Nov. 2019, FEB 2020, respectively. Discussion: The findings of this study will make an original contribution to our knowledge about how stillbirth is experienced by mothers in Jordan. This finding will be useful to health care providers to improve the quality of health care provided to those mothers by adopting individualized and holistic care approach to meet the needs of each mother. Moreover, it will inform public health authorities and policy makers regarding the need for more awareness of stillbirth and a better bereavement care strategy for mothers in hospitals.